Students visit local mosque
Building Relationships — Dr. Edward Smither, professor of Introduction to Islam, brings his class to visit the local mosque to observe Friday prayers known as Jumah. Smither’s wanted to give his students a first-hand experience of Islam.
He somberly removed his shoes, leaving his feet bare on the soft carpet, as he entered the doorway to the mosque. Joining his fellow Muslim believers he prepared to begin Friday prayers called Jumah.
New faces sat in metal chairs alongside the prayer room. Dressed in modest attire with shoeless feet, as a sign of respect, this group of Liberty students prepared to observe how Muslims perform their Jumah prayers.
Both Maqsud Ahmad, leader of the mosque and Dr. Edward Smither, professor of the Introduction to Islam course at Liberty University, said they look forward to the frequent visits each semester where both Christians and Muslims have a chance to interact with one another and ask questions.
“We are very encouraged to have built the mosque, especially for Friday prayers,” Ahmad said. “We can offer a place for all Muslims alike to come amidst their busy schedules to say their prayers together.”
Smither said he wanted a first-hand observation of how Islam is lived out for his students. Previously, the class would travel to Charlottesville, Va. to attend prayers at UVA. When the Greater Lynchburg Islamic Association (GLIA) opened one in Lynchburg, a more local opportunity did arise. Immediately welcoming the Muslim mosque to the community, Smither sought to build relationships with them and open a greater door of education for his students to walk through.
“Our approach has been, as a class, to be exposed to Muslims to observe how Friday prayers happen,” Smither said.
As Ahmad and the GLIA have an open-door approach with members of the community, they were eager to have the Liberty group participate in dialogue with the leaders of their mosque. After observing Friday prayers, Ahmad offered a lunch of pizza and soda for the students before their time of discussion.
Once stomachs were full and conversations had begun, the Muslim leaders prepared for a time of discussion with the Liberty students.
Usually about two to three hours elapse before the groups are ready to end their dialogue, Smither said.
“They are very open for discussion. In fact, one of the first times we went they portrayed that life was short and said, ‘let’s not just ask nice questions but be open and honest to ask the important questions,’” Smither said.
The students were able to gather education through their dialogue time. The first-hand experience enabled them to not only learn about Islam but to meet Muslim believers and begin building relationships with them.
“I learned how incredibly relatable the people were. They truly placed incredible value on people and relationships, regardless of religious differences,” senior Marilyn Britt said.
The GLIA enjoys this time with the students to discuss their religion of Islam as well as answering numerous questions.
As this is not a time of debate between religions, but merely discussing religions as a means of education, the GLIA welcomes the students into their mosque. The doors of their mosque are open to everyone, according to Ahmad.
“I learned through my experience at the mosque to ask questions as most of the Muslims here are very educated and intelligent,” junior Chris Biddix said. “God taught me (through this experience) to treat all people as people and to care about them. Sharing life with people is the best way to reach them, as opportunities to share the truth will no doubt arise.”
After a few years of visiting the Lynchburg mosque, Smither and his students have, extended hospitality to the Muslim community to build relationships.
Always looking for ministry opportunities that may arise, Smither and his students continue to visit the mosque multiple times through the semester as a means of education and ministry.
“I think there’s a need for mutual understanding on both sides of the spectrum as there are walls of ignorance, fear and misunderstanding,” Smither said. “A lot is solved over hospitality and through friendship. I think its just the human need for friendship and through that relationship we can freely share the gospel.”
THOMASON is the special assignment editor